Tierable and nestable receptacle with hinged gate member



T. R. MUTTO May 28, 1963 3,091,355 TIERABLE AND NESTABLE RECEPTACLE WITHHINGED GATE MEMBER Filed May 1e, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VENTOR.7f`roaon5 M0770 gna/@ T. R. MUTTO May 28, 1963 TIERABLE AND NESTABLERECEPTACLE WITH HINGED GATE MEMBER Filed May 16, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 2mvENToR. 75500055 Ma rra T. R. MUTTO May 28, 1963 TIERABLE AND NESTABLERECEPTACLE WITH HINGED GATE MEMBER 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 16, 1960INVENTOR. 7'Hfaoo/PE E. Narr@ BY i n corporation of Ohio Filed May I6,1960, Ser. No. 29,398 Claims. (Cl. 220-19) This invention relates toimprovements in a tray, container or receptacle, and especially thattype adapted to be tiered when in use and to be nested when empty.

Whenever in the specification and claims these trays, containers orreceptacles are referred to as receptacles, it is intended that thisterm includes crates, boxes, baskets, trays, skids, pallets, iiats,spaced `apart shelves, and similar receptacle or article carryingdevices, which may be stacked one upon another in tiering position whenin use and nested one within the other in nesting position when emptyfor conservation of space.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a tierable andnestable receptacle having a rigid frame and at least one movable wallconnected to said frame and adapted to be moved relative to said frame.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle, asset forth in the preceding parapgraph, with said wall adapted to holdarticles within the receptacle in tiering position but adapted to moverelative to the rigid frame for permitting the receptacle to be movedinto nesting position; said wall adapted to be locked in closed positionin receptacle tiering position to prevent lateral removal of thearticles from said receptacle; said wall adapted to be unlocked andmoved to open position in tiering position for lateral removal of thearticles from the receptacle from between tiered like receptacles;and/or said wall being attached to the rigid frame by a specic hingeconstruction.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle,adapted for tiering and nesting with other like receptacles,characterized by its inexpensive manufacturing cost, ease of assembly ofits component parts, structural simplicity, multiplicity of functionaladvantages, strong and sturdy nature, compactness in tiering' andnesting positions with like receptacles, ease of assembly with likereceptacles in tiering and nesting positions, providing an enclosurearound all four sides of an article carried thereby While stillpermitting not only movement into nesting position with like receptaclesbut also lateral loading and unloading of each like receptacle intiering position.

Other features of this invention reside in the arrangement and design ofthe parts for carrying out their appropriate functions.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromaccompanying drawings and description, and the essential features willbe set forth in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

FIG. l is a perspective view of a rst form of receptacle;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the receptacle in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the receptacle in FIG. l;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively side elevational and end views of aplurality of receptacles, each like the receptacle shown in FIG. l, innesting position;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational View of the left portion of the receptaclein FIG. 2 with the left-hand movable wall shown in three differentpositions;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational View of a plurality of receptacles, eachlike the receptacle in FIG. l, in tiering Patented May 28, 1953 positionwith only the bottom of the uppermost or third receptacle shown and withthe end walls of the middle receptacle locked in closed position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a second form of receptaclesimilar to the receptacle in FIG. 1 except for the slight change inconstruction shown in FIG. 8 relating to the stop bar on the bottomportion of the receptacle for locking a movable wall in closed position;while FIGS. 9 and l0 are respectively side elevational and end views ofa portion of a third form of receptacle, similar to the receptacle inFIG. l except for the hinge construction, With two like receptacles intiering position in the manner shown in FIG. 7.

Before the receptacles herein illustrated are specifically described, itis to be understood that the invention here involved is not limited tothe structural details or arrangement of parts here shown sincereceptacles ernbodying the present invention may take various forms. Itis also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology hereinemployed is for purposes of description and not of limitation since thescope of the present invention is denoted by the appended claims.

Three diiferent receptacle forms are illustrated, and these are shown aslike receptacles lil in FIGS l-7, receptacle Il in FIG. 8, and likereceptacles 12 in FIGS. 9 and v10. Each of these receptacles is adaptedfor assembling with other like receptacles in either tiering position,as shown for example in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10, or in nesting position, asshown for example in FIGS. 4 and 5. Each of these receptacles includesan identically constructed rigid frame 14; two movable walls with eachwall taking the form of either movable wall I5 in FIGS. 1-8 onreceptacles lil and I1 or the form of movable wall I5 in FIGS. 9 and l0on receptacle 12; and a connecting means or hinge means for each walltaking the form of connecting means or hinge means I6, I6 or I6'respectively shown on receptacles 10 and Il in FIGS. 1 8 and onreceptacle 12 in FIGS. 9 and l0.

Each rigid frame I4 includes a plurality of rigidly interconnectedportions. Rigid frame 14 includes a bottom portion Ztl for supportingarticles 52, upper edges 2l on the receptacle spaced above bottomportion 20, two parallel side wall portions 22 rigidly connectingbottorn portion 20 and upper edges 2l, and tiering support meansincluding a plurality of upper tiering support portions 24 rigid withupper edges 2l and a plurality of lower tiering support portions 25rigid with bottom portion 20.

Each rigid frame 14 has as parts thereof a plurality of rod-like closedloops (two being shown) of generally rectangular shape, such as upperedge closed loop 26 and bottom edge closed loop 27. These loops haverespectively a plurality of parts or portions taking the form in loop 25of two parallel opposite side portions 26a, two parallel bars 25b atopposite ends, and four bentdown portions 2de at the corners; and inloop 27 of two parallel side portions 27a, two parallel cross bars 27bat opposite ends, and four hook-like portions 27e at the corners.

tBottom portion 20 may be of any suitable construction, but is shownherein as including a plurality of interconnected rod parts. Parallelside portions 27a are spaced apart by a plurality of co-planartransverse rods 29 with each rod welded at opposite ends to sideportions 27a. A plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinal-1y extendingrods 30 are welded, or otherwise secured, to each of these transverserods 29 and at opposite ends to bars 27h.

Each of the two parallel side wall portions 22 includes a plurality ofinterconnected parts. Loop side portions 26a and 27a extend parallel toeach other in any one side Wall portion 22. Each side wall portion 22includes a plurality of V-shaped parts 31a and 3112 (six being shown)with each formed from a bent rod and with these six arranged in threesimilar pairs with each pair including an upper part 31a and a lowerpart 3111 welded together. The upper distal ends of the legs on part 31aare welded to side portion 26a, and the lower `distal ends of part 31bare welded to portion 27a. These V-shape parts 31a and 31b permit likerigid frames 14, and the like receptacles of which they compose, to bemoved into nesting position NP, as shown for example in FIGS. 4 and 5,as will be more apparent hereinafter.

Rigid frame 14 also has other parts. An open side 32 is formed on eachof the opposite ends of rigid frame 14 with each of these open sideslocated below one of the bars 2617, above bottom portion 20, and betweenside wall portions 22. Also, each rigid frame 14 has two clearways 33aand 3317, located at opposite ends of frame 14 and each including one ofthe open sides 32, for receiving like receptacles in nesting position,as will be more apparent hereinafter.

Each movable wall 15 on the receptacles 10 in FIGS. 148 has a pluralityof interconnected parts. Each wall 15 is adapted to extend over an openside 32 of rigid frame 14, as shown in FIGS. l, 2, 3 and 7. Two movablewalls 15 are provided `on each of these receptacles with these wallsbeing end walls located at opposite edges of bottom portion 20. Eachmovable wall 15 includes top bar 40 in FIG. 3 having a center barportion 40a; bottom bar 42 having lcenter bar portion 42a 'and twoparallel turned down end portions 421:; and a plurality of Wire bars 44and 45 respectively including upwardly diverging portions or members 44aand 45a welded or otherwise secured at their upper ends to bar portion40a while the lower ends of bars 45 are welded or otherwise secured tocenter bar portion 42a -to form rigid wall 15.

Connecting means 16 in receptacle 10 in FIG. l operatively connects eachmovable wall 15 and rigid frame 14 so that each wall 15 is movablerelative to frame 14 between a side open position P1 in FIG. 6uncovering rigid frame open side 32 to thus permit lateral loading andunloading of articles on bottom portion 20 through its open side 32 anda side closed position P2 in FIG. 2 covering its open side 32 to blockremoval of the articles through its open side 32. Each of the twomovable walls 15 on receptacle 10 is provided with such connecting means16 taking the form of a hinge means. This hinge means 16 includes one ofthe bars 26h, extending parallel to bottom portion 20; and includes oneor more loops 48 (here shown as two) carried by wall 15, surrounding bar2611, and spaced along hinge axis A formed by cylindrical bar 2611. Thisconstruction permits wall 15 to move by swinging movement -about axis A,extending coaxial with one of the bars 26h and parallel to the other bar26b.

Each connecting means 16 also includes suitable stop means 50 forpreventing endwise movement of movable wall 15 along hinge axis Arelative to rigid frame 14. Each -bfar 26.12, forming hinge axis A, has4laterally extending bends 26C on opposite ends. The two hinge loops 48for each wall 15 are abutted on their laterally outer sides by bends 26eto prevent substantial endwise movement of movable wall 15 along hingeaxis A. This provides the stop means 50.

As will be apparent hereinafter, a description of the structure and modeof operation of frame 14, wall 15, connecting means 16 and stop means 5@in the preceding paragraphs applies equally well to the same named ornumbered parts and axes in FIGS. 8-10.

Receptacles 1t) and 11 in FIGS. 1-7 and in FIG. 8 respectively haveconstruction not shown on receptacles 12 in FIGS. 9 and l0. In FIGS.1-7, hinge means 16 includes at opposite ends of movable wall 15 twodouble action link hinges with each comprising a link 46 pivotallyconnected at opposite ends by link loops 48 and 47 respectively to bar261; of rigid frame 14 and to bar portions 41b of movable wall 15 so asto operatively connect 4 this wall and iframe by two, parallel, spacedapart, hinge axes A and B in FIGS. 3 and 6. Link 46 has axis A formedlby bar 26b and loop 48, and has axis B formed by each loop 47 and eachof the coaxial end portions 4017 of top bar 4i). This structure permitsmovable wall 15 to move by iswingaible `movement about axis A and/ oraxis B, as shown in FIG. 6, fwith each .of these axes extending parallelto at least one of the bars 2617. Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings,it will be noted that the end gate 15 is suspended from the top crossbar 2617 by the hinge means consisting of two links 46, each having anupper loop 48 pivotally connecting the link to the bar 2617 and eachhaving. a lower loop 47 pivotally connected to the portion 4% of thegate 15. Referring to the lower part of this drawing, it will be notedthat the member 2717 of the bottom has upwardly extending hooks 27e ateach end thereof which extend backwardly away from the plane of thedrawing in planes at right angles to the upper bar 261;. It Iwill benoted that the outside dimensions between the two hook members 27C islless than the distance across the bar 2611 of the spacing of the twolinks 46. In other words, when two receptacles are tiered, the number2'7b takes up less than the full length of the bar 26b so as to leavespaces at the opposite ends thereof for the mounting of the two links46. lIt results from this construction that when two or more likereceptacles are tiered, there is no obstruction to movement of gate 15to the position P4 in FIG. 7 or to the positions .P1 and P3 indicated in6.

In FIGS. l-8, stop means 5i); for preventing substantial endwisemovement of wall 15 along axis A, also includes structure not found inFIGS. 9 and l0. Wire member or top bar 49, rigid with movable wall 15,has on opposite ends in FIG. 3 parallel portions 40C closely straddledby links 46 to minimize endwise movement of wall 15. It should new beapparent that bar 40 has integrally connected together a center barportion 40a, parallel portions 4c located on opposite ends of centerportion 40a, and coaxial end portions 4Gb extending outwardly `fromparallel portions 40e.

Two like receptacles 10 are in tiering position TP' in FIG. 7. Eachreceptacle 1@ has its lower -tiering support portions 25, including fourhook-like portions 27e, located substantially vertically beneath uppertiering support portions 24, including two parallel bars 261), at eachof the opposite ends of receptacle 10` so that like receptacles 10 maybe placed in this tiering position TP. Hook-like portions 27e of theupper receptacle in FIG. 7 are positioned to rest vertically ydown uponbars 26b in the lower like receptacle so as to receive and hold thesereceptacles in tiering position TP in lFIG. 7 with like parts of eachupper receptacle substantially vertically aligned above like parts ofthe lower receptacle.

Also, receptacles 10 in FIG. 7 are prevented from having substantialrelative movement in the horizontal plane. 'Hook-like portions 27C ofthe upper receptacle in FIG. 7 engage bars 26h on the lower receptacleto prevent relative movement between receptacles 10 in a directiontransverse to bars 26h in a horizontal plane. Relative movement betweenthe receptacles 10 in a direction parallel to bars 2611 is prevented bythe close straddling engagement of side wall portions 22, shown as thelower ends of parts 3117 on the upper receptacle closely straddled bythe upper ends of parts 31a on the lower receptacle.

1In tiering position TP in FIG. 7, movable walls 15 of upper receptacle10 are each locked in closed position P2. The component parts ofreceptacle 10 are so constructed that the distal end of each movablewall of the upper receptacle 10 in FIG. 7, shown specifically as turneddown end portions 4217 on the lower end of this wall, abuts against theinner surface of a bar 26b on the lower like receptacle liti in FIG. 7in tiering position TP so as to lock one or both of the movable walls 15of the upper receptacle in closed position P2. In this closed positionP2, bars 2611 of the lower receptacle prevent outward movement of walls15 to open position P1. On the bottom receptacle in FIG. 7, parts 42h ofthe end gate are prevented from swinging freely outwardly by Strikingbars 27b. In position P2, all articles 52 supported on bottom portion 26of upper receptacle 10 in FIG. 7 are held in proper position by beingsurrounded by walls 15 and 22 on all four sides, and these articles areprevented from escaping laterally from bottom portion 2@ through eitheropen side 32 of rigid frame 14.

One or both walls `15 of upper receptacle 1t) in FIG. 7 are locked inclosed position P2 automatically when the upper receptacle in FIG. 7 islowered into tiering position engagement with its lower like receptacle.Then, articles 52 are completely enclosed and retained on bottom portion20. This locking action may be caused to occur in any of a variety ofmethods, including the following two methods. First, one of the bars 6bin upper receptacle 10 in FIG. 7 is grasped in each hand, at least onelinger of each Ihand pushes the lower end of each wall inwardly, andupper receptacle 10 in FIG. 7 is lowered vertically downwardly intotiering position TP wherein the lower ends of walls 15 on the upperreceptacle are straddled by bars 26h on the lower receptacle so thatboth walls 15 are locked in closed position P2. Second, one bar 2617 ofupper receptacle 1t? in FIG. 7 is grasped in each hand, the upperreceptacle is tilted about a horizontal axis parallel to one of its bars26h so that its bottom portion is inclined downwardly toward the rightin FIG. 7, the upper receptacle is lowered until its right-handhook-like portions 27e engage upon right-hand bar 2617 of the lowerreceptacle in FIG. 7. Then, upper receptacle 19 in FIG. 7 is swungcounterclockwise about this right-hand bar 26h on the lower receptacleuntil the lefthand hook-like portions 27C of the upper receptacle engageupon left-hand bar 26]) of the lower receptacle so that the left-handwall 15 on the upper receptacle is brought downwardly against the innersurface of left-hand bar 26b on the lower receptacle into locked andclosed position P2 by a gravity action. Then, the right-hand end of theupper receptacle is raised and then lowered (swung counterclockwise andthen clockwise about the axis of left-hand bar 26h on the lowerreceptacle) into tering position TP so that right-hand wall 15 on theupper receptacle is also moved down into locked and closed position P2by a gravity action.

It will be apparent hereinafter that the description, t-he structure andthe mode of operation in the preceding paragraphs relating to thetiering position TP in FIG. 7, and

the locking action of walls 15 in closed and locked posi-A tions PZ intiering position TP, applies equally well to the same named or numberedparts, positions, directionsand movements in FIGS. 8-10.

When more than two like receptacles 1@ are stacked in tiering positionTP, as shown by the two receptacles in FIG. 7, it may be desirable toload or unload articles 52 through one of the open sides 32 onto bottomportion 20 Within one of the intermediate receptacles 10 in the stacklocated between the topmost and lowermost receptacle. Although, it ispossible to load and unload this receptacle through its open top afterdisassembling the tiered stack of receptacles, it is far easier to loadand unload this intermediate receptacle with articles 52 through itsopen side 32. For example, the intermediate receptacle 10 in FIG. 7cannot be loaded and unloaded through its open top because of thereceptacle (only the bottom being shown in dot-dash lines) being tieredthereon. Then, each movable :wall 15 on this intermediate receptacle 10may be unlocked, and swung outwardly from locked and closed position P2.to open position P1 even though the tiered stack has not beendisassembled. Note links 46 on lower receptacle I0 straddle hookportions 27c on upper receptacle 1@ in FIG. 6 (compare the verticalalignment of links 46 and portions 27C in FIG. 3) to permit links 46 tobe swung between posi- 6 tions P2 and P1. Wall 15 is moved from positionP2 to position P1 in the following two steps. First, wall 15 is movedfrom locked position P2. in FIG. 2 through position P4 in FIG. 7 tounlocked position P3 in FIG. 6 by simultaneously swinging its links 46clockwise in FIG. 6 about hinge axis A relative to rigid frame 14 whilewall 15 is swung counterclockwise about axis B relative to links 46until position P3 is reached. This action lifts the lower end of wall 15over stop Z6b previously holding wall 15 locked fin closed position P2wherein this wall was held downwardly by gravity so as to abut againstsaid stop to prevent, without this lifting action, movement out ofposition P2 toward position P1. Note that the radius dimension R in FIG.7 from hinge axis A to center bar portion 40a is always greater than thecorresponding radial dimension R from axis A to the adjacent cross bar27b on the like .receptacle immediately above this wall 15. In posi-tionP4, links 46 have been stopped with bar portions 49h generally coaxialwith bar 27h so that the offset between bar portions 40a and Liiilb willpermi-t swinging wall 15 about this coaxial alignment (axis B) in thedirection of the iarrows in the upper lefthand portion of FIG. 7 eventhough links 46 remain stationary. Wall 15 is forced to swing outwardlyto position P3 and cannot swing inwardly to position P6, generailycorresponding to position P3 in FIG. 6 but on the other side of axis A,because link loops 47 abut against bottom portion 20 of the likereceptacle 10 thereabo-Ve before the turned down end portions 2b areunlocked from bar 26.5 of like receptacle 1t? therebelow. This actionforces wall 15, vwhen being moved from position P2 to P1, to be swung toposition P3 so that this action can easily occur even though bottomportion 20 is fully loaded with articles 52. lIn contrast, if wall 15could be unlocked by moving to position P6, `diiiiculty might beobtained by having Iwall 15 strike against lany articles 52 locatedclosely adjacent the edge of bottom portion Ztl. Also, it should benoted that wall 15 is normally kept properly locked in position P2 by aplurality of forces. In order to move wall 15 from position P2 toposition P3, wall 15 must be moved upwardly against the force of gravityand along a specific movement pattern by a properly moving force. Also,if bottom portion 20 is fully packed with articles 52, the outer edge ofthese articles tend to keep wall 1-5 downwardly in closed position P2and to prevent any accidental movement of wall 15 upwardly to positionP3. Second, after wall 15 reaches position P3 in FIG. 6, wall 15 may beswung clockwiseV about axis B relative to link 46 from position P3 toopen position P1. It should be noted that the positions P1, 1PZ, and P3shown in the drawings are respectively merely illustrative of open,locked and unlocked positions; and Wall 15 may assume any of a pluralityof inclinations or locations in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7 while still beingrespectively open, locked or unlocked. It will be yapparent hereinafterthat the description of the structure and mode of operation in thisparagraph applies generically to the same named or numbered parts,positions, directions, and movements in FIGS. l-8.

FIG. 4 shows three like receptacles 10 in nesting position NP. Eachreceptacle 10 has its side -wall portions 2.2, and other componentportions, constructed and arranged so that like receptacles will nestone within aniother, as shown in FIG. 4. The upper receptacle in FIG. 4,hereinafter called the upper receptacle, and the lowermost tworeceptacles in FIG. 4, hereinafter called the lower receptacles, Awereput into the illustrated nesting position NP by the broadly describedsequentially performed steps of entering, by manipulation, bottomportion 20 and lower tiering support portions 25 of the upper receptacleinto clearways 33a and 3319 of the lower receptacles, and then passingdownwardly in these clearways 33a and 33k of the lower receptacles thebottom portion 2t) and lower tiering support portions 25 of the 7 upperreceptacle into nesting position NP shown in FIG. 4.

This nesting action is possible because a definite structuralrelationship exists between clearways 33a and 33h, movable walls 15, andtheir connecting means 16. Each receptacle 10 in FIG. 1 has clearways33a and 33b located at :opposite ends of the receptacle with eachclearway provided between bottom portion Ztl, upper edges 21, and sidewall portions 22 `downwardly from one of the upper tiering supportportions or bars 26h. In FIGS. 1 and 2, each movable wall 15 has atleast a portion extending downwardly across one of these lclearways 33aor 33h in which location it would normally interfere with the nestingaction. For example, if walls 15 were rigidly secured to frame 14,nesting would not be possible. However, the hinge type connecting means`16 permits each wall 15 to be moved out of clearway blockingrelationship in its closed position P2 during receptacle movement intonesting position NP.

Now, this nesting operation will be briefly described in detail step bystep.

First, upper receptacle It) n FIG. 4 is held above and out of contactwith the lower receptacles, but with all receptacles being horizontalland generally in vertical alignment. It is preferred ythat the upperreceptacle be held with one hand on each bar 26b with at least someingers of the hands holding the walls 16 outwardly in a downwardly landoutwardly inclined position.

Second, upper receptacle in FIG. 1 is tilted either clockwise orcounterclockwise about a transverse taxis. For purposes of illustration,it will 'be assumed that the upper receptacle is swung about its rightbar 26h in FIG. 4 as a pivot with its lett bar 2Gb moving in thecounterclockwise direction downwardly away from the horizontal positionso that upper receptacle 10 is inclined downwardly toward the left inFIG. 4.

Third, upper receptacle 10 is now lowered vertically so that its leftlower tiering support portion 25 in FIG. 4 passes downwardly betweenbars 25h on the lower receptacles until this lower left tiering supportportion 25 is below the plane of bars 2Gb on the lowermost receptacle 10in FIG. 4. Duri-ng this lowering movement, the left hand can releasewall 15 as soon as portions 42b thereof will strike left wall 15 on themiddle receptacle in FIG. 4 so that this -wall will be properly guidedinto the nesting position NP shown in FIG. 4.

Fourth, upper `receptacle 10 is shifted generally horizontally towardthe left in FIG. 4 so that the left lower tiering support portion 25 `ofupper receptacle 10 is slid through left-hand clearway 33a of the lowerreceptacles, which clearway is formed between the lowermost left bar 26hand the uppermost bottom portion 2li of the lower receptacles, until theright-hand lower tiering support portion Z on upper receptacle 10 isvertically to the left of right-hand bars 26h of the lower receptacles.

Fifth, upper receptacle may be swung in a clockwise direction about itsleft-hand cross bar 26h so that it right-hand lower tiering supportportion 25 clears the right-hand cross bars 2Gb on the lowerreceptacles. During this movement, the right-hand may release therighthand wall on the upper receptacle as soon as it can fall to aresting position on right-hand wall 15 of the middle receptacle to getproper guiding action into the nesting position NP in FIG. 4.

Sixth, upper receptacle 10 is shifted generally horizonltally toward theright in both clearways 33a and 33b of the lower receptacles into avertically aligned position. Then, upper receptacle 10 is released tofall by gravity into nesting position NP shown in FIG. 4.

Successive receptacles may be moved into this nest in this same mannerto increase the number of receptacles 10 in the nesting stack.

In nesting position NP in FIGS. 4 and 5, the component parts of eachreceptacle 10 are constructed to permit the 8 distal or lower endportion of movable walls 1S to extend generally vertically in nestingposition NP in FIG. 4 so as to minimize the horizontal dimension of thenested receptacles in FIG. 4 by minimizing outward spread of thesemovable walls 15. Hence, receptacles in nesting position NP take upminimum iloor or storage space. Several structural features coacttogether to make possible this compact nesting of walls 15. The upperportion 46 of the assembly, formed of side wall 15 and hinge orconnecting means 16, located adjacent bar 2619 is downwardly andoutwardly inclined relative to a plane P -in FIG. 4, extendingperpendicular to bottom portion 20 of that receptacle, when the lowerportion is located generally in -this plane P when like receptacles 10are in nesting position NP in FIG. 4. Each wall 15 has its componentmembers 44a and 45a upwardly diverging in FIG. 5 so they nest withcorresponding members in nesting position NP on an adjacent likereceptacle JLltl` in nesting position NP. Now, an examination of FIGS. 4and 5 will reveal that the aforedescribed parts in walls 15 nesttogether so Well because the same vertical spacing, maintained between;bars 26h on vertically adjacent nested receptacles 1t) by V-shaped sideportion parts 31a and 31b, is also maintained as vertical spacingincrements for inclined upper portions 46 and the correspondingcomponent parts 44a and 45a of movable walls 15.

Upper receptacle 10 in FIG. 4 may be easily disengaged from nestingposition NP by performing the reverse of the aforedescribed nestingsteps. However, walls 15 do not now have to be manually held inVoutwardly diverging positions because they do not interfere with thenest disassembly action.

As will be apparent hereinafter, the description of the structure andmode of `operation in the preceding paragraphs (relating to the stepsrequired to nest, the relationship of the parts in the nesting position,and the disengagement of each nested receptacle from the nestingposition) applies equally well to the same named or num- 'bered parts,positions, directions and movements in FIGS. 8-10.

The structure in FIGS. 1-8 diers from the structure in FIGS. 9 and l0.In FIGS. l-S, the downwardly and outwardly inclined upper portion 46 innesting position NP in FIG. 4 is link 46, and the pivotal movementsabout axes A and B makes this inclination possible.

A single receptacle 10 in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 or 6 will have the two followingoperating characteristics.

First, the distal or lower end of each movable wall 15 is freelyswingable on its support bar 2Gb about hinge axis A between its openposition P1 and closed position P2 when this receptacle 10 is out ofboth tiering position TP 'and nesting position NP. Unlocked position P3in FIG. 6 need not be assumed, but wall 15 and its links 46 may retaingenerally the same angular orientation about axis B during swingingmovement between positions P2 and P1. During this movement, turned vdownend portions 4217 at the lower or distal end of wall 15 swing betweenlongitudinal rods 30 during movement between positions P2 and F1. Itwill be apparent hereinafter that the description of the structure andmode of operation in this paragraph also applies generically to the samenamed or numbered parts, positions, directions and movements in FIGS. 9and 10.

Second, wall 15 may be swung clockwise in FIG. 6 about axis A throughposition P1 to position P5 In position P5, loops 47 rest upon the topsof the distal ends of V-shaped parts 31aI to maintain links 46 inposition P5 and one or more of the bars 44 and 45 abut against theirassociated bar 26h to maintain wall 15 in position P5. It will beapparent hereinafter that the description of the structure and mode ofoperation in this paragraph also applies generically tothe same named ornumbered parts, positions, ydirections and movements in FIG. 8.

Receptacle 1l in FIG. 8 includes rigid frame 14 and two movable walls15, and two connecting means. or hinge means 16 with one of these wallsand connecting means at each end to form generally the same constructionas shown in FIG. l on receptacle 10. Receptacle 11 is exactly likereceptacle except that two stop bars 55, one at each end (only one bar55 being shown), is welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the tops oflongitudinal rods 30 and extend generally parallel to bar 2Gb. Each bar55 is located so that the distal or lower end of its associated movablewall, and especially turned down end portions 42b thereof, abut againststop bar 55 in closed position P2 to prevent outward movement of movablewall 15 to open posiiton P1 when receptacle 11 is out of tiering andnesting positions, as shown in FIG. 8. This abutting action against stopbar 55 provides a llock-ing action generally the 4same as provided byeach bar 26b in tiering position TP in FIG. 7. However, if wall in FIG.8 is lirst unlocked by movement from locked position P2 to unlockedposition P3 in FIG. 6, wall 15 can then be moved to open position P1because this action lifts the lower end of wall portions 42b up overstop bar or stop 55.

Receptacle 12 in FIGS. 9 and l0 includes rigid frame 14, two movablewalls 15', and two connecting means or hinge means 16 with one wall andhinge means located on ea-ch end of rigid frame 14.

Each wall 15 includes welded or otherwise rigidly connected top bar 40having center bar portion 40a', bottom bar 42 having center bar portion42a and turned down end portions 42b, and bars 44 and i5 havingrespectively upwardly diverging members 44a and 45a.

Hinge means 16 in FIGS. 9 and l0 is a single action hinge while hingemeans 16 in FIG. 6 was a double action or link hinge. Hinge means 16 inFIGS. 9 and 1() has only a single pivot axis A with -this axis beingcoaxial with bar 2.6b. Top bar or wire 40 of wall 15 extends along thetop `dimension of movable wall 15', and has its opposite ends bent intothe form of twohinge leafs or portions 40b. Each leaf 4Gb on this wire40', rigid with movable wall 15', has a loop 48 looped around bar 26h toprovide a pivotal mount on this bar around hinge axis A for movable wall15. Loops 48 are straddled by bends 26C to provide stop means 50' forpreventing endwise movement of wall 15 along axis A relative to frame14. This construction permits receptacles 12 in tiering position TP inFIGS. 9 and l0 to have the distal or lower end of each wall 15' on upperreceptacle 12 locked in closed and locked position P2, and permitsmovable walls 15 of nested receptacles to nest in generally the samemanner as shown by Walls 15 in FIGS. 4 and 5. However, when receptacles12 are in tiering position TP in FIGS. 9 and 10, the wall 15 on theupper receptacle cannot be moved from locked position P2 to openposition P1 without at least partially lifting the associated one end ofthe tiered receptacle to permit the lower ends of its wall portions i-Zbto clear bar 26h on the receptacle therebelow to permit wall 15 to movefrom position P2 tol position P1. This diierence in mode of operation iscaused because walls 15 in FIG. 6 are mounted on double action, linkhinges having movement about two axes A and B, while Walls 15 in FIGS. 9and 10 are mounted by single action hinges having pivotal movement onlyabout axis A. In nesting position, upper portions 40h are downwardly andoutwardly inclined relative to members 44 and 45 at about the same angleas similar portions or links 46 in FIG. 4 to provide similar nestingaction of side Walls 15.

Various changes in `details and arrangement of parts can be made by oneskilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of thisinvention or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A receptacle adapted for tiering with other like receptacles,including a rigid trame comprising a bottom portion, means definingupper `edges spaced above said bottom portion, side wall portionsrigidly connecting said bottom portion and upper edges, tiering positionsupport means including a plurality of upper tiering support portionsrigid with said upper edges and a plurality of lower tiering -supportportions rigid with said bottom portion, said lower tiering supportportions being located substantially vertically beneath said uppertiering support portions, said lower tiering support portions of anupper receptacle being positioned to rest vertically down upon saidupper tiering support portions of a lower like receptacle in tieringposition with like parts of said upper receptacle substantiallyvertically aligned above like parts of the lower receptacle; a movablewall adapted to extend at least partially over an open side of saidrigid frame; and connecting means operatively connecting said movablewall and said rigid frame so that said movable wall is movable relativeto said frame between a side open position uncovering .said open sideand permitting loading and unloading articles on said bottom portionthrough the open side and a side closed position at least partiallycovering said open side to block removal of the articles through saidopen side, lock means responsive to tiering position engagement betweenupper and lower like receptacles -for locking the movable Wall of one ofthese receptacles in said closed position against movement in an outwarddirection to said open position, said movable Wall being locked onlywhen said receptacle is tiered with another like receptacle.

2. A receptacle, as set forth in claim l, with hinge means responsive tomovement of said lock means to unlocked position in said tieringposition from said locked position for permitting outward movement ofsaid movable Wall from said closed to open position for loading orunloading said bottom portion.

3. A receptacle adapted for tiering with other like receptacles,including a rigid frame comp-rising a bottom portion, means dening upperedges spaced above said bottom portion, side wall portions rigidlyconnecting said bottom portion and upper edges, tiering position supportmeans including a plurality of upper tiering support por- -tions rigidwith said upper edges and a plurality of lower tiering support portionsrigid with said bottom portion, said lower tiering support portionsbeing located substantially vertically beneath said upper tieringsupport portions, said lower tiering support portions of an upperreceptacle being positioned to rest vertically down upon said uppertiering support portions of a lower like receptacle in tiering positionwith like parts of said upper receptacle substantially verticallyaligned above like parts of the lower receptacle; a movable wall adaptedto extend at least partially over an open side of said rigid frame; andconnecting means operatively connecting said movable wall and said rigidframe so that said movable wall is movable relative to said -framebetween a side open position uncovering said open side and permittingloading and unloading articles on said bottom portion through the openside and a side closed position at least partially covering said openside to block removal of the articles through said open side, saidconnecting means including a hinge means operatively connecting 4saidmovable wall to said rigid frame, said hinge means including a barextending generally parallel to said bottom portion, said bar being oneof said upper tiering support portions on said rigid frame.

4. A receptacle adapted for tiering with other like receptacles,including a rigid frame comprising a bottom portion, means definingupper edges spaced above said bottom portion, side Wall portions rigidlyconnecting said bottom portion and upper edges, tiering position supportmeans including a plurality of upper tiering support portions rigid withsaid upper edges and a plurality of lower tiering support portions rigidwith said bottom portion, said lower tiering support portions beinglocated substantially vertically beneath -said upper tiering supportportions, said lower tiering support portions of an upper receptaclebeing positioned to rest vertically down upon said 1 l upper tieringsupport portions of a lower like receptacle in tiering position withlike parts of said upper receptacle Substantiallyrvertically alignedabove like parts of the lower receptacle; a movable wall adapted toextend at least partially over an open side of said rigid frame; andconnecting means operatively connecting said movable Wall and said rigidframe so that said movable wall is movable relative to said framebetween a side open position uncovering said open side and permittingloading and unloading articles on said bottom portion through the openside and a side closed position at least partially covering said openside to block removal of the articles through said open side, saidconnecting means including a hinge means operatively connecting saidmovable wall to said rigid frame, said hinge means including a barextending gene-rally parallel to said bottom portion, -said bar, movablewall and connecting means being constructed so that the distal end ofsaid movable wall abuts against said bar on a like receptacle in tieringposition to lock said movable wall in said closed position to preventoutward movement of said movable wall to said open position, said distalend of the movable wall being `freely swingable about said bar betweenits open and closed positions when said receptacle is out of tieringposition.

5. A receptacle, as set forth in claim 4, with said hinge meansincluding a link hinge with two, parallel, spaced apart hinge axes; oneof said axes being formed by said bar.

6. A receptacle adapted for tiering with other like receptacles,including a rigid frame comprising a bottom portion, means definingupper edges spaced above said bottom portion, side wall portions rigidlyconnecting said bottom portion and upper edges, tiering position supportmeans including a plurality of upper tiering support portions rigid withsaid upper edges and a plurality of lower tiering support portions rigidwith said bottom portion, said lower tiering support portions beinglocated substantially vertically beneath said upper tiering supportportions, said lower tiering support portions of an upper receptaclebeing positioned to rest vertically down upon said upper tiering supportportions of a lower like receptacle in tiering position with like partsof said upper receptacle substantially vertically aligned above likeparts of the lower receptacle; a movable wall adapted to extend at leastpartially over an open side of said rigid frame; and connecting meansoperatively connecting said movable wall and said rigid frame so thatsaid movable wall is movable relative to said Aframe between a side openposition uncovering said open side and permitting loading and unloadingarticles on said bottom portion through the open side and a side closedposition at least partially covering said open side to block removal ofthe articles through said open side, said connecting means including ahinge means opera-tively connecting said movable wall to said rigidframe, said hinge means including a bar extending generally parallel tosaid bottom portion, said receptacle having a stop bar rigid with saidbottom portion, extending generally parallel to the bar of said hingemeans, and located so that the distal end of said movable wall abutsagainst said stop bar in said closed position to prevent outwardmovement of said movable wall to said open position when said receptacleis out of tiering position said hinge means including a link having apair of parallel spaced apart hinge axes operatively connected to saidframe and said movable wall, said hinge means also including two loopssurrounding said bar spaced along the hinge axis and closely straddledby said bends to prevent substantial endwise movement of the movableWall along the hinge axis,

7. A receptacle adapted for tiering with other like receptacles,including a rigid frame comprising a bottom portion, means definingupper edges spaced above said bottom portions, side wall portionsrigidly connecting said bottom portion and upper edges, tiering positionsupport .means including a plurality of upper tiering support portionsrigid with said upper edges and a plurality of lower tiering supportportions rigid with said bottom portion, said lower tiering supportportions being located substantially vertically beneath said uppertiering support portions, said lower tiering support portions of anupper receptacle being positioned to rest vertically down upon saidupper tiering support portions of a -lower like receptacle in tieringposition with like parts of said upper receptacle substantiallyvertically aligned above like parts of the lower receptacle; a movablewall adapted to extend at least partially over an open side of saidrigid frame; and connecting means operatively connecting said movablewall and said rigid `frame so that said movable wall is movable relativeto said frame between a side open position uncovering said open side andpermitting loading and unloading articles on said bottom portion throughthe open side and a side closed position at least partially coveringsaid open side to block removal of the articles through said open side,said connecting means including a hinge means operatively connectingsaid movable wall to said rigid frame, said hinge means including a barextending generally parallel to said bottom portion, stop meanspreventing endwise movement of said movable wall relative to said rigidframe along the axis of said hinge means, said bar having laterallyextending bends on opposite ends, said hinge means including two loopssurrounding said bar spaced along the hinge axis and closely straddledby said bends to prevent substantial endwise movement of said movablewall along the hinge axis.

8. A receptacle structure, including a frame comprising a bottomportion, means defining upper edges spaced above said bottom portion,side wall portions rigidly connecting said bottom portion and upperedges; a movable wall adapted to extend at least partially over an openside of said frame; hinge means operatively connecting said movable walland said frame so that said movable wall is movable relative to saidframe between a side open position uncovering said open side andpermitting loading and unloading articles on said bottom portion throughthe open side and a side closed position at least partially coveringsaid open side to block removal of the articles through said open side;said hinge means including a link hinge with two, parallel, spacedapart, generally horizontally extending, hinge axes respectivelyconnected to said movable wall and to said frame; and a stop associatedwith one of Said portions, said stop and hinge means constructed andpositioned so that gravity holds said movable wall downwardly with thepath of movement of a portion of said wall adapted to abut against saidstop during movement out of said closed position toward said openposition to hold said wall locked in closed position and so that saidwall may be lifted over said stop by action of said link hinge to permitwall movement from closed to open position.

9. A receptacle adapted for tiering with other like receptacles,including a rigid frame comprising a bottom portion, means deiiningupper edges spaced above said bottom portion, side wall portions rigidlyconnecting said bottom portion and upper edges, tiering position supportmeans including a plurality of upper tier-ing support portions rigidwith said upper edges and a plurality of lower tiering support portionsrigid with said bottom portion, said lower tiering support portionsbeing located substantially vertically beneath said upper tieringsupport portions, said lower tiering support portions of an upperreceptacle being positioned to rest vertically down upon said uppertiering support portions of a lower like receptacle in tiering positionwithlike parts of said upper receptacle substantially vertically alignedabove like parts of a lower receptacle, there being an opening providedat at least one end and extending between said bottom portion and upperedges and side wall portions, a movable .gate adapted to extend at leastpartially over said end opening of said rigid frame, connecting meansoperatively connecting said gate and said rigid frame adjacent saidupper edges so that said gate is movable relative to said frame betweenan open position uncovering said open end and a closed position at leastpartially covering said open end, said connecting means including hingemeans connecting the top of said gate to said rigid frame so that ithangs lby gravity in closed position, a portion of said frame abuttingsaid gate in free-swinging motion to prevent its opening, and said hingemeans constructed and arranged to provide for a generally verticallifting movement of said gate suticient to clear said abutting frameportion.

10. A receptacle as set forth in claim 9, wherein said upper tieringsupport portions comprises a bar across the top of said end opening,said bottom portion is dimensioned so that said portion of an upperreceptacle will pass downwardly into and endwise outwardly below saidbar of a lower like receptacle to nest them, said side wall portionsbeing so constructed and arranged that two like receptacles will nestvertically one within another, and with said gate including verticallyinclined members adapted to nest in a common plane with correspondinginclined members of the gate of a like receptacle in nesting position oftwo like receptacles.

1l. A receptacle as set forth in claim 9, wherein said upper tieringsupport portions include a bar extending generally parallel to saidbottom portion and said hinge means comprises a link operativelyconnected by two parallel spaced apart hinge axes, respectively, to saidgate and to said rigid frame, said gate and rigid frame and link beingso constructed that said gates on like receptacles have minimumhorizontal outward spread in nest-ing position, the distal end of atleast some of said gates on tiered like receptacles being locked in saidclosed position by the bar on an adjacent like receptacle acting as astop in tiering position, and each of said some gates may be unlockedand swung outwardly from closed position to open position when tworeceptacles are in tiering position.

12. A receptacle, as set forth in claim 11, in which said gate and hingemeans form an assembly, an upper portion of said assembly locatedadjacent said bar being downwardly and outwardly inclined relative to aplane perpendicular to said bottom portion, when the lower portion ofsaid gate is located generally in said plane with like receptacles innesting position, so as to minimize the horizontal dimension of thereceptacle, and said hinge means including a hinge leaf pivotallymounted on said bar and rigid with said gate.

13. A receptacle adapted for tiering and nesting with other likereceptacles, including a rigid frame comprising a lbottom portion, meansdeiining upper edges spaced above said bottom portion, side Wallportions rigidly connecting said bottom portion and upper edges, saidframe having an opening at at least one end giving access to theinterior of said receptacle when like receptacles are stacked, saidmeans defining said upper edges including a horizontal bar across thetop of said end opening, the bottom portion of said receptacle extendingendwise beyond a line vertically beneath said bar, whereby the bot- .tomportion of one receptacle will rest upon said bar of a like receptacleto tier them, the bottom portion of an upper receptacle beingdimensioned to pass downwardly into and endwise outwardly below said-bar of a lower like receptacle to nest them, said side Wall portionsbeing so constructed and arranged that two like receptacles will ntvertically one within another, a gate adapted to close said open endagainst loss of material out of said receptacle, hinge means connectingthe top of said gate to said horizontal bar so that it hangs by gravityin closed position, a portion of said frame abutting said gate infree-swinging motion to prevent its opening, and said hinge meansconstructed and arranged to provide for a generally vertical liftingmovement of said gate suicient to clear said abutting frame portion.

14. A receptacle as dened in claim 13 wherein said frame has said endopening and said gate closure therefor duplicated at an end oppositesaid rst named end.

15. A receptacle as dened in claim 13 wherein said extending bottomportion is dimensioned to leave a clear space along said horizontal barof a like receptacle when two such receptacles are tiered, and saidhinge means including a link pivotally mounted in said space on said barand pivotally connected to said gate, whereby to provide for saidgenerally vertical lifting movement of said gate of said receptacle whena like receptacle is tiered above it.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS D.178,183 Glezen July 3, 1956 762,328 Lundstrom lune 14, 1904 1,205,521Doble Nov. 21, 1916 2,172,266 Whitaker Sept. 5, 1939 2,478,883 Willis eta1. Aug. 9, 1949 2,635,786 Wickson Apr. 21, 1953 2,831,599 Groifeo Apr.2.2, 1958 2,892,562 Smithson June 30, 1959` 2,970,714 Glezen Feb. 7,1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 694,312 Great Britain July 15, 1953

1. A RECEPTACLE ADAPTED FOR TIERING WITH OTHER LIKE RECEPTACLES,INCLUDING A RIGID FRAME COMPRISING A BOTTOM PORTION, MEANS DEFININGUPPER EDGES SPACED ABOVE SAID BOTTOM PORTION, SIDE WALL PORTIONS RIGIDLYCONNECTING SAID BOTTOM PORTION AND UPPER EDGES, TIERING POSITION SUPPORTMEANS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF UPPER TIERING SUPPORT PORTIONS RIGID WITHSAID UPPER EDGES AND A PLURALITY OF LOWER TIERING SUPPORT PORTIONS RIGIDWITH SAID BOTTOM PORTION, SAID LOWER TIERING SUPPORT PORTIONS BEINGLOCATED SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICALLY BENEATH SAID UPPER TIERING SUPPORTPORTIONS, SAID LOWER TIERING SUPPORT PORTIONS OF AN UPPER RECEPTACLEBEING POSITIONED TO REST VERTICALLY DOWN UPON SAID UPPER TIERING SUPPORTPORTIONS OF A LOWER LIKE RECEPTACLE IN TIERING POSITION WITH LIKE PARTSOF SAID UPPER RECEPTACLE SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICALLY ALIGNED ABOVE LIKEPARTS OF THE LOWER RECEPTACLE; A MOVABLE WALL ADAPTED TO EXTEND AT LEASTPARTIALLY OVER AN OPEN SIDE OF SAID RIGID FRAME; AND CONNECTING MEANSOPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID MOVABLE WALL AND SAID RIGID FRAME SO THATSAID MOVABLE WALL IS MOVABLE RELATIVE TO SAID FRAME BETWEEN A SIDE OPENPOSITION UNCOVERING SAID OPEN SIDE AND PERMITTING LOADING AND UNLOADINGARTICLES ON SAID BOTTOM PORTION THROUGH THE OPEN SIDE AND A SIDE CLOSEDPOSITION AT LEAST PARTIALLY COVERING SAID OPEN SIDE TO BLOCK REMOVAL OFTHE ARTICLES THROUGH SAID OPEN SIDE, LOCK MEANS RESPONSIVE TO TIERINGPOSITION ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN UPPER AND LOWER LIKE RECEPTACLES FOR LOCKINGTHE MOVABLE WALL OF ONE OF THESE RECEPTACLES IN SAID CLOSED POSITIONAGAINST MOVEMENT IN AN OUTWARD DIRECTION TO SAID OPEN POSITION, SAIDMOVABLE WALL BEING LOCKED ONLY WHEN SAID RECEPTACLE IS TIERED WITHANOTHER LIKE RECEPTACLE.